Number Train Wakefield
Looking for preschool maths classes in Wakefield? Number Train is an award-winning preschool programme created to help children grow in confidence, learn new skills, and prepare for school, through music, making, movement and maths!
Aimed at children from around 2.5 years upwards, our classes are designed and delivered by experienced primary school teachers, ensuring children develop confidence with numbers, whilst building the skills that will help them thrive when they start school.
“I can’t recommend Number Train highly enough… I’ve been a childminder for 22 years, and I’ve been to a lot of children’s groups, but this the best of them all.”
About our Wakefield classes
Across Wakefield, we hold the following classes in your area:
Our Wakefield venues all offer free parking either on site or nearby. Further details can be found in the FAQs at the bottom of this page.
We also offer classes in the following nearby areas: North East Leeds, Horsforth, Otley, Ilkley and the surrounding areas, North Bradford, Wetherby, Harrogate and Knaresborough, and Doncaster.
Meet the Wakefield Number Train Driver
Hi, I’m Liz, the driver behind Number Train Wakefield! 🚂
I’ve lived in Wakefield for the last 10 years and absolutely love being part of this wonderful community. As a local mum, my little boy attends a Wakefield school, and we spend our free time enjoying the many beautiful walks, parks and family-friendly places such as Newmillerdam, The Coal mining museum and Walton Colliery.
After 15 years as a primary school teacher, I decided to combine my passion for education with my love of helping young children learn through play. That’s why I brought Number Train to Wakefield .
I’m proud to support local families and can’t wait to welcome you aboard!
“The variety of fun, interactive and engaging activities within each session are great, Liz meets the needs of all children within the session and always interacts with all members of the class.”
Why local families choose Number Train
At Number Train Wakefield, local families choose us because we offer so much more than just a preschool class.
Our award-winning sessions provide a fun, welcoming space where children can learn, play and grow together while developing essential early maths skills. Every class is aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage and uses music, movement and hands-on activities to build confidence in counting, number recognition, shape, pattern and problem-solving.
As a Wakefield mum and qualified teacher with 15 years of experience, I understand the importance of giving local children the very best start. That’s why every Number Train session is designed to nurture a love of learning, support school readiness and create a strong sense of community for Wakefield families.
What local families say about Number Train
“Amazing for little ones! The concept and amount of content in each session is amazing. Liz engages the children extremely well and holds their attention fantastically. The balance of structure and free rein for the children works perfectly for the range of ages that attend. Variety only adds to strengthen the engagement; singing, dancing, physical movement, crafting all based round early key mathematical concepts means there is something for every child and sure to give a solid foundation when they reach school. “
“I’ve known Liz for a long time and she’s absolutely fantastic with children, my little boy loves her! As a trained teacher, she definitely has a real gift for making learning engaging, fun and confidence boosting. I’m so pleased she’s bringing Number Train to our area, as she creates such a welcoming, enjoyable environment where children can thrive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to any parent looking to support their child’s maths skills.”
“We love our Number Train sessions, we have done half a term now and my daughter who started at 2.5 years has really gained confidence during this time. Liz is great with all the children, my daughter loves to interact with her and show off her creative activity which we get to do in each session! I feel this is a great session to attend in the lead up to starting per school/ or reception class, taking in turns, sitting and listening, interacting with peers, and Liz, singing, dancing, creating, counting and all things Maths… Just to name a few things we do in our sessions.”
To see what else parents and carers have to say about Number Train, please visit our gallery and testimonials page, or click here to view our Google profile where we have over 100 five star reviews.
“My daughter absolutely loves Number Train and pretty much asks if we can go every day! I can’t recommend number train strongly enough.“
FAQs
Where can I attend classes in Wakefield?
Number Train currently holds classes at the following venues in Wakefield, with new classes frequently being added:
Kirkhamgate Village Hall
6a Brandy Carr Lane
Wakefield
WF2 0RS
St Anne’s Church Hall
121 Wrenthorpe Road
Wrenthorpe
Wakefield
WF2 0JS
Is parking available?
For Thursday classes at Kirkhamgate village hall, free on-site parking is available.
For Friday classes at St Anne’s Wrenthorpe, the on-site parking is fairly limited, with roughly around 5 spaces, but there is plenty of free on street parking around the venue.
What days and times do classes run?
Across Wakefield, we run classes on Thursdays and Fridays, with plans to introduce additional classes over the coming months. A full list of venues and timings for Wakefield can be seen above, or please visit our Train Timetable for a full list of classes across the region.
Alternatively, other nearby classes take place in North East Leeds, Horsforth, Otley, Ilkley and the surrounding areas, North Bradford, Wetherby, Harrogate and Knaresborough, and Doncaster.
How old does my child need to be to join Number Train?
Number Train was originally designed for children aged 3 years+ however over the last few years, several children have started when they were 2 and a half years old, and attended until starting school. As all children develop differently, it is up to each individual parent to decide if their child is ready, so by coming along to a trial session, parents can decide for themselves.
Can siblings attend?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a younger sibling along, and if they are under 2 years old, they may attend free of charge. Siblings over 2 years old are charged at 50% of the normal fees.
Due to limited capacity rules, please let me know in advance if you intend to bring a younger sibling so I can account for them in my total numbers. Please note, it is the parent’s responsibility to watch younger siblings, as there may be toys/ small items which the older child use and must be kept out of reach.
What happens at a typical Number Train session?
Our sessions use a combination of familiar structural elements and new material to help children build confidence. Every session starts with our welcome routine, and then children use clues to guess that week’s destination. Every week will be a different theme, ranging from the land of the dinosaurs to a busy bakery, with bespoke activities designed around each theme.
We understand that different children learn, and play, differently, so every session will combine physical activities with more focused tasks. By using dynamic ‘brain break’ activities, children get to use their bodies and burn off some energy, helping them to engage in tasks that require more attention.
Some activities will involve the whole class, some might have the children working in small group or teams, or some will be working on their own with their adult. Approaching tasks in a range of different ways helps prepare the children for school, and builds important skills like following instructions independently, taking turns, or speaking in front of a group.
Every class also includes an art activity, where children will be guided through creating a themed piece in class that they can take home with them at the end. Children love being able to share what they’ve done with their friends and family, and you won’t have to worry about tidying up the mess after!
The Number Train programme has been developed in line with the current EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum, giving the children (and parents!) the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the concepts and terminology that will be used at school. So if you haven’t heard of number bonds, or can’t remember what subitising means, jump on the train and we’ll bring you up to date with the skills you need to support your child’s learning!
Do you offer trial sessions?
Yes – we encourage parents to book a trial session to see if the class is right for your child. Trial sessions can be easily booked online, and there is no obligation to sign up afterwards.
To book your trial, please click here or contact us to find out more.
Do parents stay during the session?
Yes, Number Train is designed so adults can participate together with their child, offering support and encouragement. Parents often mention how much they learn alongside their children and leave with lots of ideas to try at home!
Can my child join mid-term?
Yes, you can join Number Train at any time, however, the ideal time to start is September when we start the programme. As the year goes on, we build on concepts we learn in the earlier sessions (for example, moving from counting to 10 to counting to 20) but we are able to cater to children of all ages and abilities so it’s never too late to join!
Getting in touch a few months in advance is always worthwhile as certain classes fill very quickly in the Autumn term. To view availability for your area, click here.
I’m interested in Number Train, but my child attends nursery the days you run sessions. Is there any other way I can attend?
Number Train is working with the following nurseries in your area, so please contact them directly to register your interest in joining a session:
- Domi Domingo – East Ardsley
- Bumble Bees childminding – Ossett
- Cliffe House Day Nursery – Pudsey
Alternatively, if your childcare setting does not currently offer Number Train sessions, please feel free to send us a message and we can contact them to see if they would like to run Number Train classes within their usual hours.
Number Train offers classes covering a wide range of days and times, so if you cannot see any that suit you in Wakefield, we also run classes in the following nearby areas: North East Leeds, Horsforth, Otley, Ilkley and the surrounding areas, North Bradford, Wetherby, Harrogate and Knaresborough, and Doncaster.
For more information, please visit our Number Train FAQs page
or contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions.